This is according to metro spokesperson Themba Gadebe.
“Proposed new tariffs, the new valuation roll, credit control and indigent benefits, as well as budget proposals related to capital projects across the Ekurhuleni Metro are expected to dominate discussions at the metro’s Draft Integrated Development and Planning (IDP) and Budget Public Consultative Meetings, to be held over the next two weeks,” said Gadebe.
“Residents of Ekurhuleni and various other stakeholders will have an opportunity to comment on the developmental programme of the metro as contained in the IDP for 2015/16 and the budget for the next three years.
“Integrated development planning is a process through which municipalities prepare a strategic development plan which extends over a five-year period.
“This then guides and informs all planning, budgeting, management and decision-making processes in the municipality.
“The municipality undertook a consultative process on the review of its Integrated Development Plan with ward councillors and ward committee members in September last, year.
“The inputs received through the consultative process formed the basis of the draft IDP 2015/16 and draft multi-year budget for 2015/16 – 2017/18, that were tabled at the council meeting of January 29b 2015, for the purpose of consultation with stakeholders.
“Before the draft IDP and draft Budget are approved by council, in May, the acceptability of the proposals must now be tested with our communities.”
From April 14 to 22, Ekurhuleni will hold IDP and Budget meetings in all its 20 Customer Care Areas, at 6pm, to discuss the draft documents with communities.
“Council will brief stakeholders on the proposed developmental programme and allow communities to comment on the proposals,” said Gadebe.
“This year, these IDP and Budget meetings will be combined with the Mayoral Izimbizo, to give progress reports on service delivery issues.
“Over and above these meetings, stakeholders can, from now until April 30, access the draft IDP and draft Budget documents, which are open for comment.”
These can be viewed electronically at any time on www.ekurhuleni.gov.za, or at public libraries, pay points and Customer Care Centres, during office hours.
Comments can be filled in and dropped into “Budget Tips” boxes at the offices mentioned, or e-mailed to budgettips@ekurhuleni.gov.za.
Public enquiries can also be made by contacting the metro’s strategy planning and support office on 011 999 6760/1/2/3. @NalediBoksburg
